See the Controversial ‘Family Guy’ Ad Banned From Newspapers

Seth MacFarlane posted an Emmy "for your consideration" ad for his hit animated Fox series 'Family Guy,' and now we can see why newspapers and trade publications are refusing to run it.

The image comes courtesy of MacFarlane's own Twitter account, presented with no explanation other than, "Here it is-- the Emmy ad the trades refused to run."

But he might have just a little explaining to do. Check out the image below, featuring a picture of 'Family Guy' character Peter Griffin with the text, "Come on, you bloated, overprivileged Brentwood Jews. Let us into your little club." The show has been nominated for several -- and won a few -- Emmy awards over the years, but 'Family Guy' has never been nominated in the category of Outstanding Comedy Series.

Though numerous print publications refused to run the ad, Fox and MacFarlane sent the mailer out to Emmy voters this weekend, along with another that reads, "It's a secret ballot. You can still tell people you voted for 'Modern Family.'"

MacFarlane and his writers have a penchant for pushing boundaries, but there's a difference between thoughtful provocation (see: 'South Park') and obnoxiously offensive for the sake of being offensive. Clearly no one has taught MacFarlane (or whichever members of his staff are responsible for this) the difference. While he certainly has the right to showcase his freedom of speech creatively, perhaps calling the Emmy voters a bunch of "overprivileged Brentwood Jews" isn't the most clever use of that talent.